Transcript for What Would You Do: Young man comes out as gay to his traditional Asian parents
“What would you do?” Continues. Dau look so thin. You need to eat more. The course? A lot’s been going on. Maybe it’s a girl taking up all your time. No, but — What I have been meaning to tell you guys this for a long time. Come on. Spit it out. I’m gay. We didn’t raise you in America to be gay. This Chinese family represents a much broader issue within the Asian culture. My coming out story — I was gay. And going to YouTube to share their experiences. The stigma of shame and embarrassment. As an Asian, being gay is not common. It’s not something that you bring up in your family. I feel like gay is one of the worsings — I can’t lie to you guys anymore. If you overheard these parents — After all we have sacrificed for you? Disapprove of their son for coming out. You bring sme to our fa What would you do? Daniel is meeting his parents at the Jefferson diner. There is something that I have to say. Ce on. Spit it out. I’m gay. What? Right away, this couple is tuned in. It’s just unacceptable. After alle have done and all we have sacrificed. They are listening as Daniel’s parents get more and more upset. How can you have kids? I can adopt. You won’t have a normalife if you are gay. Come on. What do yomean? You’re embarrassing yourself. That’s what I mean. He is embarrassing us. It’s not about you,lady. Can and dad go away? With mom and dad gone, they invite him to join them and offer some support. It’s not something you can help. It’s not a choice. Just from knowing Asian families, they don’t accept that. Not many families do. In many cultures. Don’t let that control your life. Just find yourself Ando what makes Y happy. Time to let them know — Oh, my god. You have got to be kidding me. What is it in you that makes you speak out like that? She yelled out youe gay, and im, like, hell no. He could be a drug addict. He could be a thief, a murderer. There are a lot of other this he could be that could be much worse. We’re rolling again, and mom is eager to play cupid. Look at her. No, mom. This is how people date these days anyway, right? She is gorgeous,right? This to seems to find their match-maing techniques amusing. Go for it. You won’t know unless you try, right? He is not interested. Is it a friend? I’m not interested because I’m gay, mom. Okay? They quickly realize- That’s not funny. You know that, right? He is not kidding. That’s ridiculous. Why are you telling us right now? Because I don’t want to hide it anymore, ay? What about the family name? You’re the only son. With the pressure boiling, Daniel takes a moment to cool down. You should think about this. I’m just in shock. I’m so sorry you have to hear this. I think you put him on the spot. If you are there to advise him, let him decide. Try to understand his point of view. I just want what’s best for him. I understand that. A mothersdo. When it comes to his personal belis — Do you believe homosexuality is right? I believe in the bible. Which is that homosexuality is a sin. Do Yo think that me being gay is wrong? It’s wrong in the name of god. You know that? As Daniel storms away, this man of faith shares final thoughts. I would counsel,ause pastors know H to do this. You think it’s wrong to be gay? I do. God says it’s a sin. Gay people tell you it’s not a personality thing. They were born that way, and ‘S who they are. I don’t believe that. I think it’s an environmental thing. I think that with counseling, they can solve the problem. I would consider it a problem. Our actor, Daniel, who identifies as queer, is not surprised by their reaction. In fact, it’s what he would also expect in China where his family is from. I don’t think I would ever be able to brooch the topic of sexuality with my family because it would be too many doors to slam open. But today, we meet many customers who are happy to help Daniel crack those doors ope Like you can’t change stuff like that. He didn’t want to keep it bottled anymore. What culture are you? I’m Indian. Would your parents be okay with it? Probably not, but if I was, I would say the same thing. It’s hard. You can’t change who you E. Others suggest it’s simply a sign of thehanging times. It just doesn’t really belong in our culture. In our culture too, you know, it’s 2018. You know what I mean? Things are different. I’m proud of him, and that he’s saying it. You know, years ago, people would even open their mouth. We live in a masculine world, and things are changing. Look at how many people held that in, and they wanted to commituicide or something because nobody accepted them, you know? It’s, like, I can cld crying over that. It’s so awful. T does. We roll one last time How do we tell the rest of the family? E can’t tell the family. I can’t believe you’re Doi this to U But as soon as mom and dad leave, this woman is up on her feet. I’m sorry. I know it’s not my business, but I’so upset that they’re saying that to you. I just don’t know what to do. It’s hard foro understand because it’s not their culture. I just want you to know that it’s okay. There is nothing wrong with being gay or straight or whatever Y feel. What am I supposed to do? Be urself. That’s what you are supposed to do. If they can’t accept it, that’s their problem. When our parents return — What’s going on He is brave for coming out to you. I’m sorry — Why did you feel like you needed to have involved? Because I saw how sad he was, and it made me sad. Hat about us? How are we supposed to accept it? Because he is your son. You love him, right? Maybe just take some time. Time for us to step in. Hi,ma’am. How are you? I’m John Quinones. I’m glad. I’ really glad. You really took it to heart. Why? Because I lost my mom at 20 years old. So to see parentsnd children choosing not to be together or not to have a good relationship makes me sad because, you know, I don’t have that choice. You didn’t have to get involved, right? You don’t know them. It didn’t even know if I should I text my friend. She is actually meeting me here. She is chinesend I said, should I getnvolved in this? She said, T. I think your friend ishere. What did do you? Your friend here was beautiful the way she approached th young man and said, it’s okay. You had suggested that she not do that. Right. Why not? Cultural implications. As an Asian family, they would see this as a stigma of the west. Better not T get involved. Not necessarily. You support the person. You don’t want to insult the parents. Daniel, Y hi? I want to give you a hug. Thank you. Love and compassion for a complete stranger, it never ceases to inspire. That was really, real
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
